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Longtime resident urges city to restore Ren's Park, cites dead bushes and irrigation failures
Summary
Joan Lewis told commissioners Ren's Park (formerly Oaken Park) has widespread dead shrubs, failing irrigation and trip hazards from stump removals; she said she has notified staff and the mayor but wants the city to budget for replacement plantings and irrigation repair.
During public comment, resident Joan Lewis described longstanding decline at Ren's Park and asked the commission to prioritize maintenance and plant replacement.
Joan Lewis said she has lived near the park for 55 years and recalled the site when it had wildflowers and healthy trees. "Today, the park is full of dead bushes. The watering system, I don't think, works well," she said, adding that contractors removed plants and left stumps that create trip hazards and that recent weed treatments eliminated poppies and other desirable plants.
Lewis said she has contacted staff and the mayor but had not seen remedial action; she urged the city to budget for replacement plants and to fix the irrigation so the park can return to its previous condition. "Don't build any more parks unless you can maintain them," she said.
Staff listening at the meeting noted public comments are recorded for follow‑up rather than deliberated during the meeting; staff later suggested they would work to respond to Lewis outside the meeting and investigate the maintenance concerns.
The commission did not take action during the meeting; staff were asked to follow up with the resident and to coordinate any needed maintenance or budget requests.
